We’ve all experienced it – that moment when we confidently stride through a doorway, only to forget what we were going to do as soon as we enter the next room. It’s frustrating and can make us feel forgetful and scattered. But fear not, dear reader, for this phenomenon has a name and a scientific explanation. It’s called ‘The Doorway Effect’ and it’s all about how our minds are organized.
For almost two decades, psychologists at the University of Notre Dame Indiana have been studying this issue. In one study, they used a virtual reality setup to show that volunteers’ memory of items in a room was diminished once they walked through a doorway into another room. This led them to conclude that our memories are divided into episodes, making it harder to recall information from earlier episodes when we walk through a doorway and create a new episode or ‘event boundary’.
In simpler terms, our brains do a little refresh as we walk through a door, making it harder to remember our original purpose. As Psychology professor Gabriel Radvansky explains, “Entering or exiting through a doorway serves as an ‘event boundary’ in the mind, which separates episodes of activity and files them away. Recalling the decision or activity that was made in a different room is difficult because it has been compartmentalized.”
So, it’s not that we are forgetful or scatterbrained, it’s just the way our brains are wired. But that doesn’t mean we have to resign ourselves to a lifetime of forgetting what we were going to do every time we walk through a door. There are some simple steps we can take to improve our memory and overcome the Doorway Effect.
First and foremost, it’s important to avoid trying to do too many things at once. Our brains can only handle so much information at a time, so trying to juggle multiple tasks can lead to forgetfulness. Instead, focus on one task at a time and give it your full attention.
Another helpful tip is to repeat the name of the object or task you are trying to remember over and over again. This can help reinforce it in your memory and make it easier to recall when needed.
Writing down what you are looking for can also be a useful tool. Even just jotting down one word can trigger your memory and help you remember what you were going to do. For example, if you are looking for your purse, write down the word “purse” and keep it with you. This will serve as a helpful reminder and prevent you from forgetting your original purpose.
If you are still struggling to remember, try taking something with you to remind you of what you are looking for. For example, if you are looking for your purse, take the bill you intend to pay with you. This will serve as a visual cue and help jog your memory.
Lastly, retracing your steps can also be an effective way to remember what you were going to do. Going back to the “scene of the crime” can help you recall your original purpose and get back on track.
So, the next time you find yourself forgetting what you were going to do as soon as you walk through a door, remember that it’s not your fault. It’s just the way our brains are wired. But with these simple tips, you can overcome the Doorway Effect and improve your memory.
